A Top That Could Go to a Party

November 29, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Last week, I had the pleasure of singing at a holiday event in the beautifully decorated Pittock mansion here in Portland. It put me in a holiday mood, so much so, one of my requirements of any sewing project this month is, ‘can it go to a party?’ I can happily answer ‘yes’ for this […]

About the Jacket my Husband Hates

November 20, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi All – – My husband is usually quite generous with compliments when I finish a make. But this coat got a strong, very negative reaction out of him! It caught me so off guard, I had to run to my girlfriends for reassurance. Yes, this coat isn’t the classic style I usually gravitate […]

‘Tis the Season for Flannel

November 14, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi All! I’ve been traveling on the East Coast this week, where the below freezing temperatures have encouraged me to think about the benefits of a wardrobe dominated by flannel. It’s certainly not a bad thing as there’s nothing more comfortable to wear! This plaid flannel has been hiding in my stash for a couple […]

Four Helmi shirts For TNT Month

November 10, 2017.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Hi All – -It’s TNT month over on the Sewcialists Blog and I’ve written a post over there about one of my favorite TNT’s, the Helmi shirt/tunic from Named patterns. I love this pattern so much, I’ve made four versions! Here’s the link to my post about the lovely Helmi shirt! I’m so glad […]

A Fall Top with Linen and Stripes

October 27, 2017.Reading time 2 minutes.

We’re in full-on Halloween mode over here (skulls, ravens, you know….the usual). In a typical year, this would mean the season for linen tops would be long past. But in Oregon, our Fall has been extraordinarily warm, a fact that has kept me from moving my summer fabrics into storage. This top is another remnant […]

Remnant Busting Tops Inspired by Anthro

October 20, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Peplum tops are still in style! I swear it’s true. Just when I thought they were ‘out’, Anthropologie added a category under ‘tops’ called ‘peplums and swing tops’. That’s where I found this inspiring photo. What caught my eye was the fact that the bodice fabric did not match the peplum. In fact, it’s not even […]

Maisa by Named in 3 Denims

October 14, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Finally, I can cross ‘denim jacket’ off my sewing bucket list! This amazing pattern is part of the Named SS17 collection, the Maisa jacket and I’ve had my eye on it since it was released. The photo on the pattern envelope is made from recycled jeans, and I orginally planned to do the same with […]

Jersey and Fall: Two Variations

October 5, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

There’s nothing like Fall to get the sew-jo going, is there? At this time of year, fabric choices are at their best for me. The color palattes tend to be richer and more intense, which works best with my personal color palatte and there are more knits to choose from too. This jersey knit is […]

An Anthro Knock-Off

September 28, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

When I saw this top in the Anthropologie, I fell in love with the denim blue checks, the side tie at the hem. But when I tried it on, the neck was so big on me, it fell to my shoulders like a cold shoulder top. Not a good look! And the long sleeves covered […]

A Ruffled Top Done 3 Ways

September 18, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Sometimes when you first meet a pattern, you can see so many possibilities. That’s the way it was with me and this simple pattern. I made one view, then couldn’t resist immediately trying another and….well, another. Three versions of one pattern…overkill maybe, but why fight it? When you have alot of children, you aren’t supposed to […]